Check out the AARN gear from New Zealand... not SUL but light compared to most and perfect for that load weight.

http://www.aarnpacks.com/

These are becoming popular in Aust. by many in the industry and are very comfortable.

Cheers

Eric...
The REI Cruise UL60 is not full Dyneema, it's "140-denier nylon ripstop construction provides increased durability without added weight; polyurethane coating for weather resistance" per REI's wording.

The material alone in FULL Dyneema would cost more than twice as much as the REI pack.

There are lot's of gridstop Dyneema packs on the market, but they, too, are not truly Dyneema packs either having 10% or less of the individual Dyneema treads in the material.

Edited by Quoddy on 05/05/2008 08:00:32 MDT.

John (Quoddy),

How much does your LBP weigh stripped down without any of the added pockets and without the lid?

I am thinking about putting in my deposit and buying a LBP from Mchale but I get the feeling that getting an accurate weight of the pack before hand is not really going to happen.

S P (High Altitude)...

OK, I stripped the pack apart and here are the weights.
Pack capacity is approx 2500 CI expandable to 3000 CI using extention collar.
Pack in my photo was at 2500.
My Q-Bayonet lengths were 24+" adjustable to 23"

Pack (with double Dyneema bottom): 2lb 7 1/4oz

Double Summit (with hydration holder and built in bear canister holder): 9 1/8oz

Bottle Pockets (each... 1L sized): 2 1/8oz

Crest Pocket (Padded): 3 3/8oz

I received a message from Dan McHale reminding me that I have a pack that is longer than most (I'm long backed) and also that I chose some beefed-up options. The pack could be made considerably lighter for anyone concerned about weight on this model.

Edited by Quoddy on 05/05/2008 16:32:21 MDT.

John,
The pack weights you listed are very similar to my own full dyneema McHale LBP36 pack. Mine being slightly lighter (and less volume) is most likely the result of fit and stay length.

John,

Thanks, much appreciated.

Full Dyneema Pack
Pack 29.3 oz
2 Aluminum Stays 4.6 oz
Lightweight Backpad 2.9 oz
TOTAL: 36.8 oz

Extras
Water Bottle Holster 2.0 oz
Hip Belt Crest Pocket 2.4 oz

John, yours is indeed on the heavy side.
Mine is built for a 19.5" spine measurement.

Edited by Luisramos on 05/06/2008 10:25:55 MDT.

Luis, what is the carrying capacity of your pack? (cu in). Do you have a URL at McHale packs to show what it looks like? Thanks.

I would also like to recommend the Nimbus Ozone. It is a great pack at 3 lbs. It holds about 61 L. Nice shoulder and hip belt with plenty of padding. Much more substantial frame than the vapor trail.Another plus is the thick back padding makes for a good mattress for your legs.
Josh

Larry,
Move up to the Nimbus Meridian?
Granite Gear, especially the ones with tepex(plastic) frames are the most comfortable packs I have carried. Ive bought four.

http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/index.htm


Just do it. You won't be sorry. The weight of the pack is immaterial. Read the letter from Dan. He knows what's up.

Skip Clemmons

Roleigh, EH Clemmons' got the URL for McHale. My pack is 3500 cu. and its weight is well worth it. 40 - 45 lbs carried feels substantially less in a pack custon built to your specs and built the way Dan puts them together. I was so amazed at the build quality when I first received the pack that I ordered another larger winter pack. I'm set for life with these packs - they are built to last a lifetime, thus the initial cash outlay is a bit harsh, but you won't be buying a new pack every year or two.

Edited by Luisramos on 05/14/2008 22:11:00 MDT.